Drama Queen: Bohemian Luxe Winter Inspiration

Be inspired by our romantic & super chic Bohemian Luxe Winter Shoot, held at Exeter Castle. Bridget our creative Blue Fizz Stylist lets us in on how she created these two day & night looks along with showcasing the fabulous team who helped bring together each exquisite element… As featured in the December 2016 edition of WED Magazine.

The images were expertly captured by Thomas Frost Photography who with an exceptional eye for detail and use of light delivered stunning images that caught the romance drama and sumptuous mood of the day.

THE VENUE

Exeter Castle offers a city centre venue that seems miles away from everything once you step inside. The grand ballroom with its chandeliers venetian mirrors and black velvet drapes was my main inspiration for this dramatic shoot. Exeter castles wooden floors, and varied function rooms offer a lot of scope for any couple to have the perfect backdrop to any theme of wedding. Huge rich oil paintings in gilt frames and high ceilings led me to create a dark and rich palette combining blacks, gold’s, mirrors and rich deep velvets with texture and sumptuous cerise contrasts. I took reference from a Russian winter theme but wanted to vamp things up with a hard hitting modern look.

THE BRIDE

Our bride wore a stunning gown from Dawn owner of Lovely Bridal in Honiton , I wanted something sculptural and unfussy and this dress hit the brief perfectly, with pockets set into the pleats and a cape detail at the back we were all in love with it straight away.

Our brides evening look was created with a less formal and teased out style for the hair, a heavier makeup, and another customised headdress that I created from mistletoe. And a second outfit a two piece flowing skirt and delicate sheer knit top all from the same team for our collaborative shoot.

The brides jewellery was supplied by Erin Cox Jewellery who gave us the most delicate Russian wedding ring that married with our concept.

The headdress and earrings I customised as I had the vision of a black tiara for a real statement against our brides features and was exactly what I had envisaged. As a stylist at Blue Fizz Events I can offer our clients bespoke handmade elements so can turn my hands to most things alongside table and venue styling. The makeup was kept unfussy but with a focus on the eyes and lip by Genevieve Sathasivam to give a warm and heavier look for the end of the shoot with a darker lip working perfectly against our brides blonde hair.

I wanted the tiara to be balanced with a lot of volume and a high twist up do. The look was all bought together by the talented team at Gershwins Hairdressing.

THE FLOWERS

The flowers were a scene stealer what an impact they made ! We have Sophie at Earth Gallery Flowers to thank for the stunning combination of roses, greenery and textures were beyond what I had hoped for and we added to the bouquet with black velvet ribbons and black lace to bring all the elements together.

THE GROOM

Our dashing groom wore a classic black suit and velvet jacket from Samuel Daw and Co in Barnstaple with a fur top hat for the final flourish !

THE CAKE and CREATIVE CUISINE

I had researched Russian wedding cakes and also inspired by the oil paintings I wanted a cake that echoed these elements. Sue at Daisy Molly and Me created an exquisite cake that sat against the backdrop of the castle and the palette perfectly. Fabulous food fit for a Tsar was created by foodie experts Pickle Shack.

THE STATIONERY

The stationary was all hand made by Harriet de Winton, the gold against the dramatic clouds of black watercolour hues again set for more drama and we used a vintage mirror for the table plan similar to the large glittering venetian mirrors in the ballroom.

THE STYLING

The tables were draped in black tablecloths, black and white crockery for contrast and heavy black glass bottles were repurposed as candle holders and flower containers to keep a nod to the modern twist I wanted alongside the rich tones. All of these items can be sourced or hired from our range of accessories.

A strong look, a strong palette but with a European Luxe vibe which is a big style story to inspire any couple.